My Reaearch Has Concluded These Things.

Please remember you said "please feel free to correct me or add anything". So here we go, your exact words are "I've been looking into this new career for a week now", that is NOT even close to being enough web browsing to be considered "research" much less enough to "conclude" anything. If you are even thinking about rolling the dice on your financial future on the info in your original post, then it's probably not going to turn out well. The first thing you need to understand about forums like this is that almost no one gets on here to brag about how good they are doing, they just want some one to tell them how to get themselves out of a situation that they gotten themselves into without having enough information, or how to by-pass the dues paying process of this industry and start in a 9-5 M-F $200,000.00 a year job. To do the proper research you need to ask specific questions to specific people, not just a general how's it goin'. Myself personally I talk better than I type so if you would like to PM me your contact info and a good time to call including time zone I will be more than happy to answer all the questions I can. Also you need to remember that everything I share with you (or anyone else) is just my opinion/experience and will probably not be the same advise/info that Oscar or woreout or any other seasoned vet will give you. That does not make me right and them wrong(or the other way around) it just gives you 3 times the information to make your decision with. Any one advising you to buy a brand new truck is working on commission and just trying to get into your wallet. My personal belief is a person should have 5 or more CONTINUOUS years of hands on solo experience in the exact field they are interested in Owner Operating. You would not believe how many disappointed former flat-bed and reefer company drivers have run out and bought a truck and leased it on at the first tanker outfit that will take them. (Because they read on the internet that tanker drivers make ALL the money. And you can't put anything on the internet that isn't true.) If I was to find my self starting over right now I would look very hard at Millis' school/training program. Just my $0.02....

 

What spyder7723 is saying is you're not living within your means....you're trying to live a 150,000 lifestyle on half that....You said this in another post and I'll quote....

"Been a tough year. Had some major issues comeup with one of our dogs, we took in 2 new cats, etc etc. When I was jobless, we used credit cards to keep the lights on, had to buy a new computer, moved into a new house, yada yada"

I'm not your judge , won't pretend to be...But common sense would dictate ( I believe ) a new computer , car notes , all those pets , mean that you want the high dollar lifestyle , but can't really afford it...get rid of what you don't really need....and pay for what you can really afford.......you'll have to decide what the needs vs the wants are for yourself. Just some friendly advice...Good luck !

 

Isn't Tennessee also one of the few states that does NOT have a state income tax? Also, doesn't Tennessee have a relatively low cost of living, or has the state become pricier?

 

It is good that you love animals. Sadly & unfortunately, many people are quite cruel or neglectful towards them.

However, if you are in a situation in which even a decent income is not enough, you may want to consider selling or donating your animals to someone who would really love to take care them.

Otherwise, you will really end up being in the poorhouse.

God bless you and your family! God bless the U.S.A.!

 

No state income tax. I left NC to get away from high taxes. Tennessee is a great state for truckers.

 

Maverick has a program where they pay for cdl school. You have to come to Arkansas but they do pay for room&board. I believe the commitment is only 6 months and,as a Maverick driver,I know you will never do team driving. You will go out minimum 21 days with a trainer but after that you are solo. Good company to work for.

 

I would say this thread of yours deserves a thanks.Very good research.If all potential drivers and new drivers did their homework,the industry would be hurten more then they are now.

 

You pretty much got it down, as a driver trainer I tried to have my students reevaluate and set more realistic goals of the industry. There are some really good old school trainers out there that really do care for the new driver, and there are also those out there that take advantage of the student just to make a few extra bucks. One word of advice, the first year is TOUGH but it can be very rewarding career, I have don it for 20 years and still keep in touch with a few of my former students. Good luck neighbor catch you on the rebound!

 

I've been researching this as a new career for the last 2 months and I'm still undecided which way to go! I know one thing for sure, I will be as prepared as possible before I take my first steps. I have learned a ton of info, some opinions conflict on most companies but it gives me questions to ask when I am talking to recruiters and current employees.